Evervigilant 49

<Vigilant_GM> IT IS THE 41ST MILLENNIUM...
<Vigilant_GM> The Oath Unspoken limps its way to the outer system, as systems checks are performed to verify the integrity of the pending warp transition. In the time you have been on Thaur, the last of the Navigator scions has undergone a series of costly and painful procedures to amplify his powers, and hone the focus of his Eye. The boy, now bound to the ship by a complex system of augmetic
<Vigilant_GM> ports, a life-sustenance medicae system, and other interface veins lives his days as part of the very vessel itself.
<Vigilant_GM> Anzaforr's demeanor remains solemn as commands are given and taken across the crippled bridge.
<Vigilant_GM> The vessel's plasma engines push onwards, the void ahead still scarred in a violet-blue by the warp rift from with the materium continues to heal. Somewhere out there, the Divine Intercession gathers information for Inquisitor Mortem.
<Vigilant_GM> When the viewports slam shut, warding hymns blare, and klaxxons sounds through the decks, you know transition will soon test the voidship, and its navigator.
<Vigilant_GM> At once your mind feels empty, yet bloated. A sickening feeling flushing your senses. Reality itself shifts around you, as the ethereal whispering begins in your ears.
<Vigilant_GM> The plasma engines go silent, and the vessel shakes and tumbles.
<Vigilant_GM> The Emperor blesses the Oath Unspoken with a fair journey, despite its crippled status, emerging out of warp with a total travel time just over a month's length.
<Vigilant_GM> The familiar view of Desoleum is visible through the viewports as the Throne Cell makes its way to their Aquila, where launch-bay personnel refuel the shuttle.
* Baird strides up the Aquila's lowered ramp and bangs his fist on Mordecai's compartment door.
<Vigilant_GM> The low door opens wide. Mordecai sits in meditation on the corner of his cramped compartment.
* Karpath makes his wayp up the Aquila's ramp and up the to cockpit seat.
<Velam> The savant busies himself near the foot of the ramp, making sure he has everything with him before embarking.
<Baird> "Mordecai I require use of your ability before we launch. Your meditation will have to wait for the moment."
<Vigilant_GM> I serve the Inquisition. he affirms, rising to his feet.
<Baird> "I need you to try and contact Interrogator Kurst for me."
<Vigilant_GM> "As you will," he says, using his low hoarse voice.
<Vigilant_GM> His face turns to face the low ceiling, rising on his toes until his nose practically makes contact with the upper plate.
<Vigilant_GM> He lets out the air in his lungs as his left fingers run a red stone through his right hand.
<Vigilant_GM> An unwilling mind, Interrogator. Shall I persist?
<Baird> "His mind is most likely more unwilling than my own. Proceed with caution Mordecai I don't need you killing yourself."
<Vigilant_GM> His fists clench tightly, his breathing becomes heavy.
<Vigilant_GM> Under his breath, Mordecai speaks a phrase.
<Vigilant_GM> If you are whom you say, confirm our Master's identity in the Ordo Cant.
<Baird> Baird takes a half step away and speaks quietly. +Velam provide me with the Ordo Cant to confirm our Master's identity.+
<Velam> +Righteous Death. A fitting identifier for our master, eh?+
* Velam chuckles to himself satisfied he has everything with him.
* Baird nods while thanking Velam and steps back towards the astropath. "Righteous Death."
<Vigilant_GM> Mordecai again whispers under his breath.
<Vigilant_GM> The prodigal son returns.
<Baird> "Just for a time. I was instructed to coordinate my efforts on planet with you. Don't worry I'll be out of your hair soon enough. Advise on landing and meeting procedures you'd like us to observe since we are in your backyard.
<Vigilant_GM> Mordecai encants again in a low whisper.
<Vigilant_GM> Port Gyre. You are familiar with the place, I believe. When asked for clearance request landing on the Ministorum docks. I will be there.
<Baird> "We are and understood, see you shortly Interrogator."
<Vigilant_GM> Mordecai stands firmly once more, head down.
<Baird> "Thank you Mordecai." Baird turns and heads into the main bay of the Aquila.
<Vigilant_GM> The fueling lines are unlinked, and maglocks disengaged by the bay crews.
* Baird passes the landing clearance and instructions to Karpath and Gant before taking his seat and strapping in to prepare for descent.
* Karpath powers up the Aquila for take off.
* Velam boards the aquila and straps himself into one of the crash-harnesses.
<Vigilant_GM> The lander powers up as the launch bay is opened to the void.
* Nitrous straps himself in and plays row roshambo with Tony woh is also strapped in
<Vigilant_GM> As soon as the false gravity of the Oath Unspoken is left behind, you feel your bodies lighten, held down by the straps alone.
<Vigilant_GM> The Aquila rushes towards the contaminated orb that is Desoleum,
<Vigilant_GM> as soon as Port Gyre makes contact, and the clearance request is made, vectors are given to Karpath to follow into the Ecclesiarchy's wing of landing clusters.
<Vigilant_GM> Flying by instrument, the lander eventually punches through the heavy cloud cover to reveal the port, amidst the wastes just outside the Hive.
<Vigilant_GM> On the final descent, the lander finds its landing pad, just as a luxury shuttle opens its ramps for a visiting Bishop.
<Vigilant_GM> The Throne Cell's vehicle, looking nothing like the usually bright livery of the Ecclesiarchy shuttles in this landing cluster, catches the attention of the hunched, old Bishop as he is greeted by a delegation of priests on the landing pad.
<Vigilant_GM> Servitors come to perform basic unloading tasks on the aquila as the engines are powered down.
* Baird unstraps and addresses the cell. "Alright we are going light, don't come loaded for bear or bearing obvious markings since we don't know how Kurst is operating in the area." Baird loads a few weapons into his locker following his own advice.
* Karpath powers down the Aquila and makes his way down from the cockpit. "Another happy landing am I right.
<Karpath> "
<Velam> As Velam is always only lightly armed he makes no change.
* Reclaimator_Almarax reluctantly stores his purge trooper armour and thunder hammer, taking Tony's shock maul.
* Nitrous leaves behind his Sniper Rifle and Condemnor and follows along
<Vigilant_GM> A second ecclesiastical party rolls through the procession towards the landing pad in two vehicles.
* Thesse puts away her thunder hammer and flamer. She's only taking her power maul and her basic civilian outfit over her flak coat with helmet.
* Tony puts away his Autogun, then waits beside Baird while the others requip
<Tony> "Hey when we are done here, could you do me a favour Baird?"
<Baird> "What's that Tony?"
* Karpath makes sure his bolter and armor are stored away while keep his medical gear along with his Bolt pistol and Shock Maul.
<Vigilant_GM> As they come to a stop on the dock-arm not a dozen meters away from the aquila, a tall man in off-white robes, aquila pendant, and a large ruby ring exits, two friars in simple garb to either side of him.
* Baird smooths his coat, trying to get used to not feeling his armour and additional weapons strapped on like the second skin they had become.
<Vigilant_GM> They wait just outside their auto-wagons.
<Tony> "It's been months, and I had not written back to my Sister back on Hulee V, if you can find the time, could you get it sent her way? I don't trust the Administratum with the letter."
<Baird> "If you like you can use Mordecai and send her an astropathic message once we're done here." Seeing everyone is prepped Baird hammers his fist onto the open rune.
<Vigilant_GM> As the ramp descends, the unfamiliar man smiles wide.
<Tony> "And spook her? I don't even know if she is like me you know."
<Baird> "No no no, you don't connect with her directly. There are fees but there are businesses that deal in astropathic messages. It takes time but it's surely faster then the Administratum."
* Baird strides down the ramp scanning the landing area for Kurst.
<Vigilant_GM> Besides the robed men in front of you, the landing pads are run by servitors.
<Vigilant_GM> The three begin to walk towards you.
* Velam follows Baird down, pulling out his dataslate and immediately taking notes. He had yet to come up here since arriving on Desoleum those many months ago.
* Baird adopts a guarded look and whispers to the others. "Stay sharp. They don't look familiar."
* Reclaimator_Almarax heads down the ramp enjoying freedom of movement he has regained.
<Vigilant_GM> "Assist the Deacon and his men with their effects," the white-robed man orders of the friars.
<Vigilant_GM> "Yes, Confessor."
<Vigilant_GM> The pair approach, offering to carry any belongings you wish taken.
<Baird> "I'll send for my affects should that become necessary. I will say you aren't who I was expecting to greet me Confessor."
<Reclaimator_Almarax> "My effects are my own burden."
<Nitrous> "I'm good."
<Karpath> "Same, I'm good as well."
<Vigilant_GM> "Your reputation for humor precedes you," he says with a laugh. "Come, let me show you to your accomodations. The Cardinal appreciates your assistance, and has arranged for a comfortable stay."
<Velam> "Most gracious." Velam comments, taking further notes.
* Baird raises an eyebrow slightly. "Pass on my thanks to the Cardinal..and lead on."
* Nitrous follows along
<Vigilant_GM> He bows respectfully, and turns to the vehicles.
* Tony follows along keeping a eye out keeping vigilant, given his last time on this world
* Karpath follows along with the group.
<Vigilant_GM> The autocarriages are spacious, with comfortable room for all.
* Reclaimator_Almarax follows.
* Thesse moves with the rest of the group.
* Velam clambers into the autocarriage after Baird, taking a seat across from him. "My oh my, such luxury."
* Nitrous get's in the autocarriage
<Nitrous> "I'm not being left out again."
* Karpath climbs into the autocarriage.
<Vigilant_GM> The Confessor sits with his back to the driver's compartment, facing you all.
<Baird> "The Cardinal is most gracious." Baird drawls dryly.
<Vigilant_GM> As the friars enter, after everyone else, and the doors are closed, the vehicle begins moving.
<Vigilant_GM> The Confessor knocks on the sliding panel behind him, and begins to remove his cap, ring, and pendant.
<Vigilant_GM> The panel slides open and Kurst's familiar voice greets you from the driver's compartment. "Kind of you to return my Pariah, Interrogator."
<Velam> "Ahhh." Now this was the kind of stuff Velam liked, it always reminded him of those dramatised holos.
<Baird> Hearing Kurst's voice Baird relaxes and laughs heartily. "I think he's my Pariah at this point." Baird chuckles a bit more. "I will admit you had me going with the Confessor here."
<Vigilant_GM> The "Confessor" nods with a mischievous smile.
* Thesse whispers to Karpath "Who's Kurst?"
* Karpath whispers back, "Our boss' other Interrogator."
<Vigilant_GM> "It's alright. I mourned his loss once before. Glad to see the warp couldn't stand you enough to keep you in."
<Tony> "My contractor, had reassigned me as of late to assist the "Deacon"."
<Baird> "Thank the Emperor for that! I understand we've been away from things for some time."
* Thesse says with a disappointed tone "So he's not a confessor?"
<Nitrous> "No."
<Vigilant_GM> "A year, perhaps. Much has developed since. Mortem is moving resources in unusual ways. What is it you're planning?"
<Baird> "We are to remove and replace House Guljian. Once we have assumed their identities we make for Juno. The capital has been too long without the Ordos attention."
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst remains silent for a moment.
<Vigilant_GM> "There are reasons for that. Are you sure about this?"
<Vigilant_GM> The autocarriage enters an underground tunnel, glow-strips provide lighting for the interior of the vehicle.
<Baird> "Our Master has warned me thoroughly of the dangers, I feel this is where the Emperor is guiding me, I will see this through. Foolish though it may be."
<Vigilant_GM> As the autocarriage comes to a stop, you feel it turn in place. A few seconds later, lights illuminate your surroundings, a dozen or more different vehicles stationed here.
<Baird> "But to do that House Guljian comes first. What better identity to assume on a planet full of spoiled arrogant nobles than a spoiled, arrogant noble?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Guljian has recently re-emerged. The man could be said to have grown paranoid, were it not the case Mortem has decided to condemn him," Kurst says powering down the vehicle, and exiting through the driver's door.
<Vigilant_GM> "These days, he's more metal than flesh. A disturbing botch-job, to any self respecting Adept of the Mechanicus."
* Baird pulls the handle and pushes open the door to exit the autocarriage. Stepping out of the vehicle and straightening Baird once more smooths his duster.
* Nitrous follows along
<Baird> "Surely he had the resources to aquire better?"
* Reclaimator_Almarax exits the vehicle unfurling his mechandrites into the open space.
<Velam> "That's good to know, we can use that I believe." Velam opens a new set of notes for that as he follows everyone out.
* Tony gets out and tries to get a sense of where they are
* Reclaimator_Almarax chuckles, maybe I would be the best choice to impersonate him then.
* Karpath exits as well.
<Vigilant_GM> "Paranoid," he repeats. "He wouldn't allow anyone he couldn't trust near him. Even if it meant... that. His surgeons had to prime themselves into technomancy, and when his body gave out, their training was interrupted so they could begin the life-saving work."
<Nitrous> "Shame."
<Baird> "We won't be impersonating. Removal and replacement Almarax. A branch family should be easy enough to fabricate. Paranoia even at that stage, I had assumed that was..after." Baird eyes each in turn as he addresses their points.
<Vigilant_GM> "Confidence in his trade empire fell, nearly all of his partners in the system looked elsewhere. His only ambitions now are to trade directly with the sector capital with the few chartist captains who remain in his employ," he explains going up a flight of stairs.
<Reclaimator_Almarax> "Apologies, a jest."
<Tony> "Paranoia leads to desperation."
* Baird continues up the stairs behind Kurst. "Our Master had mentioned his interest in the capital, most likely his declining influence and interest in the planet contributed to the reasons he chose him."
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst nods at this, and opens a door into the safehouse.
<Vigilant_GM> "Well, it won't be easy. Declining influence or not, he remains an apex noble."
<Tony> "From what you told me before Baird, I believe you had dealings with this Noble, So it won't be easy for you if he recognizes you."
<Baird> Baird nods thoughtfully. as he follows him inside the safehouse. "Very true. I'd like to hear any suggestions or any existing plans that may assist here if you're willing."
<Reclaimator_Almarax> "If the botch job is as you say, a simple failure of his life support systems wouldn't be too difficult to fake with a short period of access."
<Vigilant_GM> Though you have been, indeed even resided, in the safehouse before, you realize you are in a wing utterly unknown to you. And as memories of your time here in the past come to you, a pict feed on a screen shows a familiar face knocking on the street-level entrance - Captain Nils.
<Baird> "I've never met him personally. He did hire a Xenos to try and remove us for the self inflicted death of his family member."
<Vigilant_GM> "Perhaps so," he replies to the techpriest. "But how you follow his death will be as important as his method of death."
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst shoots you a glare at that.
<Vigilant_GM> "You cost me several informants on that particular accident."
<Velam> "We're much more competent in such matters compared to back then, sir." Velam has put his dataslate away and keeps his hands hidden behind his mesh cloak.
<Vigilant_GM> "I know."
<Baird> "It was a botched job assuredly. As for the replacement of Guljian the plan is to have us inherit control of the house as a branch family. It should leave the infrastructure intact and with the proper oath cogs it should transfer easily. Not to say there won't be difficulties to set that up. But it seems the best route."
<Tony> "So Interrogator Kurst, I must ask, what is this Noble doing as of recent?"
<Vigilant_GM> "Juno, of course. It's his only way forward."
<Vigilant_GM> "However, he does not receive potential partners face to face," he pauses to think for a moment.
<Vigilant_GM> He sifts through reports on his desk, reaching for a dataslate which he thumbs over.
<Vigilant_GM> "Feder Guljian," he taps on the screen. Son, perhaps, nephew. He has been the Guljian representative, wining and dining potential partners these last few months. Usually far from the Guljian Estate.
<Vigilant_GM> He looks up at the newer faces.
<Vigilant_GM> "Best to have you do anything out in the open."
<Reclaimator_Almarax> "To clarify, for the purposes of luring out the tech abomination, his augmentations havn't left him immobile have they?
<Baird> "We can use the new faces to set up a meeting and draw both the father and the son into a meeting. Utilize some gangers to carry out a hit and kill them off. Meanwhile the oath cog will be readied and the administratum will do it's job and search for next of kin. Which the oath cog will provide."
<Baird> "A rough outline and plenty of details to be nailed down. I am open to corrections and criticisms Kurst."
<Vigilant_GM> "Cog falsification as well as those of administratum records will need to be near perfect. However, nothing has drawn him out in any of the months after his recovery."
<Baird> "I think the prospect of Archeotech will do it. The mechanical one over there has the title of Reclaimator. Surely that will be enough to draw him out."
<Vigilant_GM> "That tests the limits of my knowledge, I'm afraid."
<Velam> "I am sure I can push my abilities to the limit for the records and cogs to be as perfect as needed for this." Velam adds.
<Reclaimator_Almarax> "I doubt he would gain access to them but even if he laid eyes on restricted Mechanicus records they would support this scheme. It also would double as cover for my presence on Juno under the pretence the deal was concluded with Baird."
<Baird> "He explained it to me before but I moreover just understood that he "reclaims" Archeotech. Or at the least he used to."
<Vigilant_GM> "You," he nods to Thesse. "Can you lie?"
<Baird> "As for the gangers I have had dealings with the Red Walk..assuming they still operate here on Desoleum. Nils could use her Sanctionary connections to secrete them uphive without alerting anyone unduly. Providing you are willing to lend her to us for the operation. I promise I won't steal this one from you." Baird chuckles lightly.
<Vigilant_GM> "Sanctionaries allowing an incurstion up-hive could end her career. I will allow you to brief her."
* Baird nods. "I appreciate it."
<Vigilant_GM> "When you have sorted the details, I will need to divert Arbites attention."
<Baird> "Understood."
<Thesse> "I have been known to spin a few tales."
<Vigilant_GM> Kurst nods. "Good. The success of your operation may well rely on your ability to do so."